Maha Sivarathri Pooja
The night of Theipirai Chathurdasi (14th day of the waning moon) in the month of Maasi. From evening until dawn the next day.
Next: 6 March 2027, Saturday · Maasi 22
Significance
A day to stay awake all night and worship Shiva. The night, from sunset to sunrise the next day, is divided into four parts called kaalams.
The tradition is to do abhishekam (holy bath for the deity) and archanai in each kaalam. The abhishekam items for each kaalam differ from temple to temple.
Things you need
- Shiva Lingam or a picture of Shiva
- Vilvam (bael) leaves
- Milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, panneer (rose water)
- Vibhuthi, sandalwood paste
- Flowers, fruits
- Lamp, incense sticks, camphor
How to do it
- That morning, take a bath, make the sankalpam (vow) for the viratham, and begin a fast that suits your health.
- In the evening, bathe again and get the pooja space ready.
- In the first kaalam, light the lamp and do abhishekam for the Lingam, first with water and then with milk and the other items.
- Do archanai with vilvam leaves while chanting the Panchakshara mantra (the five-syllable mantra of Shiva). Then offer naivedhyam and show the aarathi.
- Do the pooja in the same way in the next three kaalams. If you cannot, do at least one pooja at midnight.
- Spend the night reading Thevaram and Thiruvasagam (Tamil hymns to Shiva), chanting the Panchakshara mantra and visiting a nearby Shiva temple.
- The next morning, take a bath, pray, and then end your fast.
Please note
- People with illnesses like diabetes, pregnant women, the elderly and children can keep a light fast, as their doctor advises. Health comes first.
- If you do not have a Lingam at home, it is enough to do archanai to a picture with flowers and vilvam leaves.
This is only a general guide. If your family custom is different, follow that. Ask your elders and your priest.